The Best Battery Chainsaw of 2017

What to consider when buying a battery chainsaw

The user’s personal physical strengthChainsaws can clearly be dangerous when not used and handled correctly. Because of this, it’s important for the user to ensure that he or she can comfortably control the chainsaw when it’s running. This means selecting a saw with the appropriate weight and handle for the user. If the user has trouble lifting a 15-pound chainsaw for an extended period, he or she should look for something lighter.

Battery PowerBattery power is measured in Volts. The higher the number of volts, the more powerful the chainsaw. The most typical types of batteries existing in battery chainsaws today are lithium-ion batteries, though some chainsaws still use nickel-cadmium batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are better for long projects, as they’re lighter, longer-lasting, and more powerful. Nickel-cadmium batteries pale in comparison to lithium-ion batteries but are still useful for small jobs.

Length of the guide barThe guide bar is the part of the chainsaw that is lined with the chain. It protrudes from the engine housing and sticks out as far as the edge of the chain. When choosing the size of the guide bar, users should consider the thickness of the branches they’ll be cutting. For safety reasons, the guide bar should be 2 inches longer than the width of the wood that’s being cut. This means that a 14-inch guide bar would be perfectly suitable for a piece of wood with a 12-inch width. Wood with larger widths can still be cut with this size guide bar, but it would have to be done in 2 separate cuts. If the user is cutting larger widths often, he or she should opt for a chainsaw with a longer guide bar.

SafetyWhen it comes to safety, not all battery chainsaws are created equally. Some of these chainsaws have an anti-kickback chain while some of them do not. This anti-kick back chain will prevent the chain from stopping on a dime and forcing the chainsaw back in the users direction. Chainsaw kickback could potentially be very dangerous, so a chainsaw that does not allow it would be the safest choice for users who aren’t professional woodcutters.

Pros of a battery chainsaw

It’s easier to move around than it is for a corded chainsaw

It’s much quieter than a gas-powered chainsaw

It’s ideal for trimming smaller branches and areas where there is not a great deal of room to move

It requires a lot less maintenance than does a gas-powered chainsaw

Easier to start than a gas-powered chainsaw, as it is turned on with a simple flick of a switch

Cons of a battery chainsaw

Less powerful than gas-powered chainsaws. It does not have the ability to cut down large trees.

Limited operating time, as the battery will typically run out anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes after the chainsaw is started.

The battery adds weight to the chainsaw which typically makes it heavier than other chainsaws

Best Battery Chainsaw Brands

DeWalt
DeWalt’s battery chainsaws all come with 40 volts of battery power. They have 16-inch guide bars that are quite large for chainsaws of their battery power size. Continuous lubrication systems and low kickback will ensure that DeWalt battery chainsaws will have a long, safe and prosperous life.

Kobalt
Kobalt makes battery chainsaws with both 40 volts of power and 80 volts of power, giving consumers the choice between saws that can handle two different workloads. Their saws offer automatic lubrication which will keep the chain from getting dry and rusty, and prevent the saws from dying prematurely. Measuring between 8 and 14 pounds, Kobalt’s battery chainsaws are lightweight and easy to handle, making them a great choice for users of any kind.

GreenWorks
GreenWorks has many great battery chainsaws that have battery powers of both 40 and 80 volts, providing users with a ton of great selections for all wood cutting purposes. With guide bars spanning from 12 to 18 inches, GreenWorks battery chainsaws are capable of cutting wood pieces of many different sizes. With low kick-back and decreased vibration, their battery chainsaws are comfortable and easy to handle for users of all shapes and sizes.

Oregon
Oregon battery chainsaws come with battery powers of 40 volts. Their guide bar sizes are limited at 14 inches and 16 inches, but with very low vibration and kickback, they’re easy chainsaws to handle, making them great for cutting wood sizes both thin and wide. Oregon’s lithium-ion batteries have a very long-lasting charge, keeping them alive for great periods of time when they’re running, and when they’re turned off.

Ryobi
Ryobi battery chainsaws can be found with both 18 volt and 40-volt battery powers. Their 18-volt chainsaws have 10 and 12-inch guide bars that are meant very small trimming jobs while their 40-volt chainsaws have 14 and 16-inch guide bars that are meant for larger cutting jobs. Ryobi makes cordless chainsaws with the power of gas chainsaws, and the quietness and comfort of battery chainsaws.